Inclusive Language

At the Learning Centre, we offer a collection of resources and information designed to support all parents in their pregnancy and parenting journey. While some of the external resources we reference include terms like "women" or "mother," they are intended to support all parenting relationships, helping families get off to a good start. You can explore parenting resources specifically designed for trans, Two-Spirit or non-binary individuals at Trans Care BC's Trans parents page.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!

Breastfeeding is commonly understood as when a person assigned female at birth (female sex) feeds their baby with milk from their breast. This includes those who identify as women and mothers (cisgender). However, it’s important to know that not everyone who feeds their baby identifies this way. Parents of diverse gender identities or those who may not be the birthing person (such as through adoption or surrogacy) can also breastfeed, nurturing a strong bond with their baby.

Chestfeeding (also called bodyfeeding) is a term that is becoming more commonly seen and used when discussing infant feeding. It can be used by anyone, though it is often used by trans-masculine or non-binary parents to describe how they feed and nurture their baby from their bodies. Language is constantly changing, and the use of the term “chestfeeding” is not focused on human anatomy. Instead, it can help all parents feel they can find the support and resources they need after their baby is born.

To learn more about chestfeeding (also called bodyfeeding) or to get support see Trans Care BC and the Trans Care BC: quick reference resources below.

Both breastfeeding and chestfeeding can help parents build a strong bond with their baby. Each parent’s choice of how to feed is personal. What matters most is that they and their baby are happy and healthy together.

If you feel comfortable, share your preferred feeding terms and pronouns with your support circle. This can help them better support you as you begin your feeding journey and understand your needs.

To learn more about chestfeeding or to get support see Trans Care BC. Remember, no one is alone, there are resources to help you navigate your feeding journey. You can also check out the Trans Care BC: quick reference below and explore the Finding Help module.

In this resource, parents can expect to find valuable information on binding during and after pregnancy. Key topics covered include:

To learn more see:

In this resource parents can expect to find helpful information about bodyfeeding after pregnancy for individuals who have had chest surgery, such as reduction or reconstruction. Key topics covered include:

An overview of bodyfeeding considerations post-surgery
Discussion of physical changes affecting feeding
Guidance on providing supplemental feeds
Information on galactagogues to support milk production
Recommended feeding positions for comfort
Tips for finding infant feeding support

To learn more see:

In this resource parents can expect to find helpful information about co-feeding between two or more people. Key topics covered include:

To learn more see:

In this resource families can expect to find helpful questions to identify their infant feeding priorities and goals. Key topics covered include:

To learn more see:

In this resource parents can find helpful information about expressing milk with a pump for various reasons. Topics explored include:

Frequency of pumping and overnight routines
Personalizing pumping routines to fit individual needs
Reasons to pump and when it may be necessary
Types of pumping sessions and their purposes
When to seek extra support for pumping challenges

To learn more see:

In this resource parents who have made an informed decision to bottle feed can learn how to follow a baby’s hunger cues and support healthy eating habits with a step-by-step guide. Topics explored include:

To learn more see:

In this resource, parents can find a step-by-step guide to using supplemental feeding systems (also called supplemental nursing systems). Topics explored include:c

To learn more see:

The Ways to feed your baby resource provides parents with valuable information on ways babies can feed and helps you locate resources with information about each feeding method. Topics explored include:

To learn more see:

This resource provides parents with valuable information on changes to expect during and after pregnancy and helps you locate resources with information about each aspect. Topics explored include:

To learn more see:

We respectfully acknowledge this Provincial Prenatal Education was developed at Perinatal Services BC on the unceded, traditional and ancestral territories of the Coast Salish People, specifically the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh) Nations who have cared for and nurtured the lands and waters around us for all time. We give thanks for the opportunity to live, work and support care here.

We wish to acknowledge with gratitude that we also collaborated with many partners who live on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of many B.C. First Nations. We also acknowledge that there are other Indigenous people that live on these lands that originate from their own respective territories outside of these lands, the Chartered Communities of the Métis Nation B.C. and Inuit.

Terms of Use

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Once you have reviewed the terms, click "Agree and Continue" to proceed to sign-up.

Welcome to the Pregnancy & Parenting Learning Centre

The Pregnancy & Parenting Learning Centre (the “Learning Centre”), provided by Perinatal Services BC (PSBC), offers evidence-informed information and education on pregnancy, labour and birth, newborn care, and postpartum care. This platform is designed for pregnant individuals, their partners or supports, and perinatal health care professionals in British Columbia.

Our resources are aligned with trusted materials like the Perinatal and Newborn Health HUB, Baby’s Best Chance, and HealthLink BC, and are developed using the best available knowledge at the time of publication. Content is created and reviewed by subject matter experts, an interdisciplinary health care team, and PSBC’s Community Advisory Committee, including parent partners, to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Important Notice:

The Learning Centre’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, clinical judgment, or professional health care. Users are encouraged to consult a health care professional regarding specific concerns or questions. PSBC assumes no liability for damages, claims, or obligations arising from the use of this platform, nor for unauthorized changes to its content.

Collection Notice:

Perinatal Services BC, a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). We are authorized to collect personal information for the purpose of account creation and progress tracking for the curriculum under s.26(c) of the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), and for program evaluation and quality improvement purposes under s. 26(e).

If you have any questions about the collection of this personal information, please contact Perinatal Services BC at pplc@phsa.ca.

Before accessing or using the Learning Centre, you are required to review and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice. By using this platform, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and agree to be bound by these terms.

Terms of Use

Please read the agreement below carefully.
Once you have reviewed the terms, click "Agree and Continue" to proceed to sign in.

Welcome to the Pregnancy & Parenting Learning Centre

The Pregnancy & Parenting Learning Centre (the “Learning Centre”), provided by Perinatal Services BC (PSBC), offers evidence-informed information and education on pregnancy, labour and birth, newborn care, and postpartum care. This platform is designed for pregnant individuals, their partners or supports, and perinatal health care professionals in British Columbia.

Our resources are aligned with trusted materials like the Perinatal and Newborn Health HUB, Baby’s Best Chance, and HealthLink BC, and are developed using the best available knowledge at the time of publication. Content is created and reviewed by subject matter experts, an interdisciplinary health care team, and PSBC’s Community Advisory Committee, including parent partners, to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Important Notice:

The Learning Centre’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, clinical judgment, or professional health care. Users are encouraged to consult a health care professional regarding specific concerns or questions. PSBC assumes no liability for damages, claims, or obligations arising from the use of this platform, nor for unauthorized changes to its content.

Collection Notice:

Perinatal Services BC, a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). We are authorized to collect personal information for the purpose of account creation and progress tracking for the curriculum under s.26(c) of the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), and for program evaluation and quality improvement purposes under s. 26(e).

If you have any questions about the collection of this personal information, please contact Perinatal Services BC at pplc@phsa.ca.

Before accessing or using the Learning Centre, you are required to review and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice. By using this platform, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and agree to be bound by these terms.

Inclusive Language

Gender Inclusive Language

Trans Parents Resources

Breastfeeding

Chestfeeding

Building a bond

Using preferred language

Supports and resources

Trans Care BC: Quick Reference

Binding during pregnancy & bodyfeeding

Bodyfeeding after chest surgery

Co-feeding

Deciding how to feed your baby

Pumping & maintaining your milk production

Responsive bottle feeding

Supplemental feeding systems

Ways to feed a baby

What to expect before & after pregnancy

Navigation

Journey

Developed In Collaboration

Territory Acknowledgment